auren Wentworth worked her way through college on her own. No parent to help her with her dream career. Living in Boston, she could have this dream job. Till that dream job came around, she applied for a job that ran from April through December. It was to manage a resort with cabins in the New Hampshire mountains. There were the two owners, their son and daughter. She had a degree and were looking for someone who knew how to handle the job. What am amazing place to work, although she did not think so at first. She was more of a city girl. So many trees, the lake and quiet was all new to her. There were so many details about running this resort, although it was not a lot of cabins.

She found a barn on the property that she asked if she could explore. So the son, Jonah, found the way into the barn. A huge barn with a lot of things store away from years ago. She had an idea, to make this place into a venue for parties and or weddings. What a beautiful place to have a romantic wedding. In the Fall, the trees change color and make it so beautiful. Lauren and Jonah went up into the loft using a ladder. It was amazing up there, so much space. Then they decided to go down the ladder, but Lauren decide to go down first. She ended up in the hospital and had no clue why she was even there. You see, all memory was lost of the past 4 months.

She recalled nothing. Jonah was with her at the hospital, but she did not understand why. Well, he was her boyfriend and did not remember any of it. The time spent together and the places he took her to around New Hampshire. Doctor was very unsure she would get her memory back at all. What heart break for Jonah. Her only hint of memory would been texts and photos in her phone. But she was not to look at those, and doctor said she needed to rest her brain before doing so. As this would cause her to work her mind in trying to remember.

What an amazing story, the details of the area, how a resort was run and the beautiful descriptions of the area. Denise writes amazing romance novels with details. Now this is only my 2nd book I have read of hers. But you know, I need to read more and more of them. The reason I wanted to read the book was, the first book I read was amazing. Thank you to Denise, Thomas Nelson publishing and Net Galley for allowing me to read this before publishing.L

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. This amnesia storyline has been done a thousand times, so there is nothing original or interesting in this book.

The backdrop of this easy read came right out of a Hallmark movie. The divine scenery made me want to get in my car and drive to New Hampshire to locate it. As much as I enjoyed the background of this story, I had a hard time relating to the characters. Throughout the book, I felt bad for Jonah and wanted to shake Lauren and ask her... WHY? I could not connect with her at all throughout this whole story.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Thomas Nelson Fiction through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this heartwarming novel.

The story revolves around Lauren and Jonah, a couple who work together at Jonah's family-owned cabin resort in rural New Hampshire. After a dangerous fall, Lauren loses her memory of the past few months. The only thing she really remembers is arriving at the resort and her ice cold interactions with Jonah. She has no memory of them ever falling in love. The narration alternates between the present and the summer when they fell in love.

I felt a lot of sympathy for Jonah, at times Lauren's behavior towards him sometimes seemed overly harsh. It was an enjoyable and relaxing read that ended up with a happily ever after in the end too!

This was such a great book! The storyline was so much fun. Being from New England originally myself, I loved the setting being in NH.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Beautifully written story of love - found and lost - lost and found. Memorable characters set in a wonderful place add to this story. Another sigh worthy inspirational love story. Definitely worth the read. This book was provided by the author Denise Hunter and publisher through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

This is a carefully plotted romance about a young woman who loses her memory and breaks the heart of the man who loves her because she doesn’t remember him at all. Lauren Wentworth is a newly graduated events planner and goes to New Hampshire to work at a small family camp while she waits for her the date when she will report to her dream job. She never counted on the fun and flirty relationship that started with the owners’ son, Jonah Landry. The novel goes back and forth in time between the current time after Lauren got injured and lost her memory and the past when she and Jonah were getting to know each other and courting. The conflict is very realistic in that Lauren cannot remember Jonah but she does recall that she has a dream job waiting for her in Boston after the first of the year. This is a slam dunk great love story, with a well-crafted plot and appealing characters characters. I really enjoyed the dog Graham, too, who acted as a buffer of sorts between the couple who seem to be fated to separate. The story is satisfying, engaging and heartwarming, with family and relationships that matter front and center.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

ARC Book Review!

Before we were us by Denise Hunter


4 / 5⭐️

This book immediately hooked me which was such a relief after my last read. It gives about time with Rachel mcaddams and Channing Tatum vibes - a movie I adored! The MMC is so dedicated to returning the FMCs memories it will make you swoon.


The book does tend to switch narratives mid way through the chapters which I didn’t love. I personally prefer when the dual POV alternates chapters. Switching midway through the chapter caused me confusion a couple times.

With that being said, the pace was excellent and I can understand why 3 of this authors novels have been turned into halmark movies!


This book is for you if you like :

Dual POV
Enemies to friends to lovers
Small town romance
Forbidden romance
Panic attack rep
Cute dog
HEA



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Neither bad, nor great. It was just ok for me. It’s a clean - no sex, no swearing - perfect for a Hallmark movie, kind of story. An easy, quick read of found family and realizing what you really want in life.
What I didn’t like was the predictably, which was eye-rolling at time. As well as the lack of flow, disjointed and missing details that then were sometimes addressed later. It left me wondering each time something didn’t feel right if it was going to filled in later. I don’t like to be disturbed while reading, especially by the story that I’m suppose to be reading.

Side note… I was not aware until I read the author’s acknowledgements that this is considered a christian book. If I had known that I would not have picked it. I prefer to read books without references to church and a bible. It should be mentioned in the summary or the book page somewhere.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read this book.

I found Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter to be a predictable story. It begins the day of Lauren’s accident. It does not give readers a chance to get to know the characters or their history before the main event. The story goes back and forth between the present and the months leading up to the Lauren’s accident. I was not a fan of Lauren. I found her attitude and behavior frustrating. Lauren was unkind to Jonah (I am being kind with my phrasing). I felt bad for Joanah who was being very patient. I liked Dr. Carson, and there was potential for this character. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Pinehaven Lodge and the surrounding area (sounds like a beautiful place to reside and vacation). I wish the author had captured New Hampshire because, based on the descriptions, the lodge could have been located in any New England state. The Christian element is light. There are repetitive details, and the ending was rushed. I wanted to like Before We Were Us, but I did not. Unfortunately, Before We Were Us is a forgettable tale.

Denise Hunter has written a beautiful love story about Lauren and Jonah an unlikely pair that work together and slowly fall for one another. As all love stories they face the unthinkable an accident that pulls them apart in the most heartbreaking way. This is a book for all Hallmark lovers. A sweet story that pulls at your heart. It’s not hard to get truly invested in these characters and root for their love story.
A perfect quick read and a few tears maybe shed. This was my first book by Denise Hunter and I can’t wait to read more.

5 stars!

The book follows Lauren and Jonah who work at Pinehaven resort in rural New Hampshire. Lauren falls and loses the last several months of her memory and she doesn't remember falling in love with Jonah and wants nothing to do with him. Follow their journey to learn if they can survive this, or if Lauren decides to move on.

I loved the dual POV between Jonah and Lauren, and the flashbacks to the memories than Lauren lost so that we as readers get the whole story.

This was such a feel good, Hallmark movie vibe book, but there were still so many emotions and serious things happening. This book makes me so excited to head up to Vermont/ the NE this fall! Highly recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the chance to read this book!

Before We Were Us is a delightful story with down-to-earth characters. The story centers around the emotional relationship between Lauren and Jonah. This book pulled me in from the start and kept me turning pages to the end. I had to know just what this couple's future would hold. Thanks to author Denise Hunter, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Recent college graduate Lauren Wentworth is working for a year at Pinehaven Cottages in New Hampshire while waiting for her dream job in Boston to become available. She has immediate sparks - both good and bad - with the owner's son, Jonah Landry, who also works at Pinehaven. They end up falling in love but things change when Lauren has a fall from a ladder in the Pinehaven barn, and she can't remember the past few months of her life - including her love story with Jonah. As Lauren recovers, she is just eager to get through the year and go back to Boston, while Jonah hopes their relationship can be rekindled.

I wanted to read Before We Were Us because I love Denise Hunter's books! This novel was no exception. It is a standalone read, which is a nice break from series.

I loved the little community of Pinehaven! The author does such a great job at describing this charming, rustic place, the Landry family, and day to day life in a rural New England resort.

Lauren was initially hard to like - she was unhappy with this charming place and aspired to a more glamorous city event planner job. She became more likable as her story unfolded, including her difficult early years in foster care and her hard work to change her life.

Jonah is a wonderful book boyfriend - strong, sensitive, and caring. I also liked his family ... and Lauren's adorable rescued Jack Russell mix, Graham.

I recommend Before We Were Us for fans of women's fiction, and especially for other readers (like me) who enjoy rustic resort settings like Pinehaven.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.


Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter is a touching romance set against the charming backdrop of a New Hampshire resort. When Lauren Wentworth suffers a fall and loses the past four months of her memory, she’s bewildered to discover that her big-city dreams are now entwined with a rustic resort and Jonah Landry, her supposed nemesis turned boyfriend. As she grapples with these new realities and her lost memories, Jonah faces the heartbreak of seeing the woman he loves forget their summer romance.

Jonah’s devotion and patience shine through as he tries to rekindle Lauren's memories and mend their fractured relationship. The emotional depth of their story is compelling, especially as Lauren struggles with her conflicting feelings and her desire to return to her former life. The setting of the resort adds a picturesque quality to the narrative, enhancing the story’s cozy and heartfelt atmosphere.

Despite its endearing qualities, some aspects of the plot felt a bit rushed, particularly Lauren’s shift in feelings towards Jonah. Her initial reluctance to accept her past decisions and her sudden change of heart towards the end may come off as abrupt to some readers. Nevertheless, the book’s portrayal of love’s enduring power and the setting’s charm make it a satisfying read for fans of second-chance romances.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was very sweet. I flew through it in about two sittings, and I really enjoyed the premise of this story.

The setting of this story is beautiful, and I felt fully enveloped in it with the way the scenery and the cabins were described. I’ve never been to that area of New Hampshire, but I have been similar places, and reading a whole novel based in a place like that made me really miss the times I was also in a cabin in the middle of nowhere.

I also adored Jonah and his family. They were nothing but sweet and kind throughout the story, even if Tammy did tend to meddle a little bit. Though, I do think she was entirely justified in doing so. Jonah felt really authentic to me, and I’m not sure I can articulate why. He just felt so real, and I felt so sad for him for having to deal with constant heartbreak over and over again. Lord knows Lauren didn’t make it easy on him.

As for Lauren, she irked me quite a bit. I didn’t dislike her, and I did understand her reasoning for how she was acting at times, but I just don’t understand why she wouldn’t want any of her memories back. If I lost 4 whole months of my life, especially *important* months, I’d want to get them back??? I’d want to know why I made the decisions I did, especially if they were good enough to turn down my supposed dream job??

And not only that, Jonah deserves a medal for putting up with her antics. That man was nothing but respectful and kind and caring and loving to her even AFTER she stepped on his heart over and over, and she still didnt recognize the effort he was putting forth. Yes, sometimes she would have feelings of remorse, but then she would ignore them and go back to being rude to him and keeping him at a distance for funsies. I can’t blame Jonah for being miserable, I would be too, watching someone I planned to marry hate me from a distance.

I also felt like Lauren’s decisions (?) were a little rash, at times. I had a hard time suspending my disbelief. I just can’t understand how she would spend months *deciding* to hate her person, only to find a ring he bought for her and suddenly she loves him again? It didn’t make a lot of sense to me. I know she was burying her emotions for a while, but she never gave them enough attention for her realization and declaration of love to make sense to me. And she was so stubborn about moving back to Boston even though she clearly didn’t want to go. I feel bad for everyone involved in her back and forth on those decisions.

Overall, this book was nice. I enjoyed the time I spent with it, but I did feel that maybe Lauren’s feelings/decisions could have been elaborated upon a bit more, just because they felt a little out of the blue.

3/5 stars

With it early into my holiday I'm gravitating towards light chick-lit, and this fit the bill. The believability pushed things from the start, when the male lead was planning on proposing the very night that the female lead fell from a ladder and lost the last four months of her memory - the time they knew each other. But I was happy to extend the believability as it's a sweet story of sacrificial love, and I appreciated the author having both leads be either adopted or in foster care.

Uplifting if non-demanding.

It was only supposed to be a summer job- a job before her real job in Boston-but now Lauren has to rethink her life. This is a sweet romance about two young people and their thoughts about the future, Lauren loses 4 months of her memory when she falls off a ladder at Joshua's parents' resort in New Hampshire. She doesn't remember that they become good friends and she doesn't know the depth of his feelings for her. This is all about how they work things out. While these two are, ahem, young, they are well drawn relatable characters, Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. No spoilers from me about the ending.

"Jonah Landry elected to stay busy on the day his entire future hung in the balance."
What a great way to grab your reader and swing them right into the story! Denise Hunter has spun a tale so engaging you will not want to put it down until you reach the last page, last paragraph, last sentence, last period!
Jonah is a strong willed yet sincere and somewhat insecure individual trying to find his place in his world and in his family. Oh he has a family and is loved dearly but he still is trying to find that spot for him.
Lauren is a go getter and what she wants is to get through the nine months as temporary manager of Pinehaven Resort and get her covered position at Glitter. That was her dream job, not some place in the wild, without all the city amenities she was used to.
Jonah and Lauren don't hit it off too great as coworkers and things get even more complicated after Lauren has an accident and suffers a traumatic head injury
Hunter really tugs at the heart with the emotional battle both Jonah and Lauren embrace. Is it harder to remember and let go of the one you love or harder to not remember and not fight for the one you used to love?
Poignant and emotional!

Enjoyed!

This new book by Denise Hunter is set in Pinehaven, New Hampshire and centers on Jonah and Lauren. I think this is a stand-alone.

I would classify this almost as a second chance romance due to the circumstances, although it starts out as grumpy. By the time August arrives, Lauren and Jonah are in love, he's ready to propose, but then an accident happens and Lauren loses all memory from April to August. This is where the second chance comes in for me. Their relationship goes back to grumpy, but will Lauren's memory ever return so she can remember their love? Give this one a read and find out! The setting is beautiful, Jonah is wonderful, Lauren is a bit snooty but has promise, and Jonah's parents are wonderful.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.